Police apologises for “inconveniencing” Kanyeihamba during standoff with bodyguard

Police has apologized to retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Prof.George Kanyeihamba for having offended him during a standoff with one of his bodyguards last week.

Following a standoff with his bodyguards in which Kenyeihamba said he had been held hostage, police said the retired judge tried to disarm the police guard .

“A police guard at the retired Judge’s home lost his father and he requested his principal, who is Prof. Kanyeihamba, to allow him go for the burial. He (Kanyeihamba) ordered him to hand over the gun to him, which the guard rejected. According to the force’s standing orders, a police officer is not allowed to hand over his firearm to unauthorized persons and this is what happened prompting the retired judge to react angrily,” Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire said.

However, in a letter dated June 10, 2019, the Commandant of the VIPPU, Herman Owomugisha admitted they had made a mistake but after visiting his home and finding out the details rectified it.

“I want to say sorry for the inconveniences caused to you and your family especially for the unnecessary attraction and attentions in the media,” Owomugisha said in the apology to Kanyeihamba.

The police in the letter says Prof.Kanyeihamba’s advice to his bodyguard who had lost his dad to leave behind the gun was valid because he could have harmed himself or other people.

“To him (guard) didn’t understand it at that time and took it otherwise which could have been a result of many reasons. I want to state that your advice after analysis was genuine and valid as one of the senior citizens of our country,” police said in his apology to Kanyeihamba.

Police also pledged applauded Prof.Kanyeihamba as one of the great persons that the country has, noting that they will at all times ensure they give the best security he deserves.

“As a retired judge, you are one of the most vulnerable people in the country as far as protection is concerned due to the nature of your work.”

However, Kanyeihamba told journalists on Tuesday that he demands a public apology from police over the information passed out to media outlets in regards the standoff with his bodyguard.

He noted that he demands a written apology and published in the newspapers.

Prof.Kanyeihamba is not new to controversy because in 2017 he accused his then police guard of attempting to harm him by entering his bedroom uninvited to attack him before family members overpowered him.